‘She leads anyway’: Our commitment beyond Women’s Month

As Women’s Month draws to a close in South Africa, we are committed to sustaining the momentum gained, Insha’Allah. 

On Thursday, 28 August, Islamic Relief South Africa (IRSA) brought together women from across the Western Cape – mothers, grandmothers, aunts and guardians who love and nurture children supported through our Orphan Sponsorship Programme (OSP). This Women’s Month event, themed ‘She leads anyway’, intended to celebrate all that these women so generously give, and all that they so selflessly do for others.

Warriors of Hope founder Zeenat Parker’s inspirational keynote address recognised women as “torch bearers of mercy”; and a reflective exercise facilitated by Mujahida Holmes, OSP National Manager, encouraged women who are usually so preoccupied with caring for others to reflect on their own needs and dreams.

We hoped that this intentional gathering would be one of joy and community, but the sincere feelings of interconnectedness and appreciation exceeded our expectations. This was, in part, because of the skilled facilitators’ abilities to recognise and honour the women in the room beyond the roles that they fulfill for others; reminding them how Divinely they have been created, and how innately worthy they each are – of goodness, love and support.

“When Allah created you, He did so with care, with wisdom, with purpose. He made no mistakes in shaping who you are. And in His divine knowledge, He chose for you to walk this earth as women. That choice is not random. It is an honour. It is a trust. It is a reminder that within you is a strength, a mercy, a resilience uniquely given to women. To know that Allah looked at His creation and said, “For you, I have chosen womanhood” — that alone is enough for you to walk tall, to feel dignified, and to lead anyway,” said Bilqees Omar, IRSA Head of Finance and MC of the event.

Bilqees explained the event’s theme – ‘She leads anyway’ – as a reminder that leadership isn’t always about titles: “It is about heart. It is about service. It is about the quiet force that moves families and communities forward, even when circumstances push against you”.

“How many of you have comforted a child who was not your own? How many of you have lifted a neighbour when she was in need? How many of you have given hope when hope was all that was left? These are not small acts. These are acts of leadership,” said Bilqees.

To look around the room and see the weight of responsibility – held up by unshakeable trust; the wariness and wonder on so many beautiful women’s faces has reinvigorated our deep commitment to continuing to honour, support and amplify the voices of women in our communities. Levona van Aarde, IRSA Regional Programmes Coordinator, captured this sentiment in her closing remarks to the women: “We love you and we want to be a part of your lives”.

As we marvel at the strength, resilience and hope of women across South Africa, we also hold in our hearts and prayers our sisters in Gaza and Sudan, who are desperately fighting famine to try to feed their families; who are piecing together some semblance of home in the overcrowded camps that they have been displaced to; and who love their families and communities as much as we love our own.

May Allah SWT grant strength, ease and comfort to women who are fighting battles seen or unseen, caring for their families with support or without, and who lead anyway.